York County Cyber Crime Defense Attorney

What Are Computer Crimes in Virginia Law? 

Cyber crimes (also called “computer crimes”) are illegal activities that involve the use of computers to access data without authorization, compromise IT and security frameworks, commit fraud, or harass other individuals online. A common example is hacking into another person’s or business’s accounts and stealing their information. The stolen data could be personal identification information (which may qualify as identity theft) or trade secrets. 

Other examples include: 

• Taking over a website to send certain messaging to visitors or customers
• Seizing networks
• Sending malicious software or viruses
• Stealing digital intellectual property
• Computer fraud
• Cyber harassment
• Breaching security frameworks

Calling (757) 206-2291 or message us online to request a free consultation with our cyber crime defense attorney in York County, VA.

How Are Computer Crimes Prosecuted in Virginia

On a basic level, computer crimes are prosecuted like any other type of criminal offense . The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the offense and did so with criminal motivation. However, because cyber crimes can be extremely complex, there are additional considerations. 

First of all, prosecutors must be able to demonstrate how you were able to gain access to the system or data and that you did with criminal motivation, rather than by accident or negligence. For example, it might be the case that you accidentally accessed a portion of a company’s website that was supposed to be unavailable to the public. 

Even if this portion of the site contained private customer information, you may not be held criminally liable for identity theft or breaching security if the failure was actually on the part of the company itself. It was their responsibility to adequately protect the personal information of their customers. Furthermore, if you lawfully acquired personal data as an employee of a company or with an individual’s expressed permission, you might be able to challenge the prosecution’s claim that you had criminal intent.  

It’s also hard to prove the precise identity of the person who committed the crime. It’s possible that your identity was stolen or system seized in order to commit the crime. Or perhaps your role in the crime is simply unclear. You might be able to convince a court to find you not guilty of certain charges if you can cast reasonable doubt on your role in the alleged offense.